In recent years, India’s relations with the Central Asian states that date back to antiquity have acquired strategic significance. At present, Delhi considers Central Asia as an “extended neighborhood” and promotes its interests in the region based on deep cultural and promising commercial linkages. Relying upon the Soviet-time strategic arrangement, India managed to frame strategic partnerships through relevant agreements with Kazakhstan in 2009, Uzbekistan in 2011, and Tajikistan in 2012, whereas Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan also play a significant role in India’s interaction with the region.
Dr. Albina Muratbekova is a research fellow at the Eurasian Research Institute of Akhmet Yassawi Kazakh Turkish International University. Albina holds a PhD degree in Oriental Studies from Al Farabi Kazakh National University. During her studies, Albina received fellowships from institutions in China, India, the USA, the UK, Germany, and Switzerland. Her primary research interests cover Central, East, and South Asian affairs; intraregional and interregional cooperation of Central Asian states; China-India relations; and Central Asian politics.